Birthday Celebrations: A Brief History

📜 Ancient OriginsEgypt (c. 3000 BCE) — The earliest record of a “birthday” comes from the pharaohs who celebrated the anniversary of their coronation, not their bellybutton birth. This marked their “birth as a god.”Ancient Greece (c. 400 BCE) — Greeks offered moon-shaped cakes to Artemis, goddess of the moon, and added candles to symbolise her light. Some scholars believe this inspired the modern tradition of cake and candles.Ancient Rome — Ordin

Gratitude For Democracy

We wake up this morning to a change of government in the United Kingdom. Independence Day in the US was general election day in the UK and having served in parts of the world where democracy doesn't exist, I'm grateful to live in a country where I can vote.More than anything, I hope that our new government remembers that all politicians exist to govern responsibly, serve their country, and serve the people who elected them. Leaders do have to make tough decisions which won't please everyone.

Top 200 Again

This morning I noticed I'm back in the top 200 again. Thanks to the community for answering questions I've had and all the very best to everyone.As Winston Churchill said, "Never Give Up, Never, Never Give Up!"

Lionesses Roar

The Lionesses of England beat the Matildas of Australia in a thrilling semi final of the womens football world cup. The game was a tremendous advert for the sport and will only have a positive impact in both countries.From a tremendously biased English perspective I'm absolutely delighted to have bragging rights over a couple of Aussie mates who teased me over the Ashes and the Netball.Any sport at the top level requires tremendous commitment and dedication. We only see the end result on the

Farewell Your Majesty

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was today laid to rest at Windsor Castle following a moving state funeral at Westminster Abbey. The second Elizabethan age has now formally ended.When it comes to putting on a ceremony to mark such a momentous occasion the British do it as well as anyone and better than most. It's great to be part of such an occasion which unites people, which is something that the Queen has done throughout her life.There are a few detractors of the Royal Family in th

Queen Elizabeth II, A Tribute

This afternoon, Thursday 8th September, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland. It is with a great deal of sadness that I dedicate this very brief tribute to her.Queen Elizabeth was an outstanding stateswoman, dignified, reserved and respected around the world. For a lesson on how to handle oneself in any sort of public role I believe she makes an ideal role model.She became Queen of Britain just over 70 years ago in 1952. She has been the longest-serving monarc

Becoming a Citizen of PP-Land!

When Kyle announced the awesome offer to upgrade to Premium Plus (PP-Land) I said I'd do it.I have now put my money where my mouth is and taken the plunge!And I'm soooo haPPy!!Such a phenomenal offer was a no-brainer for me and I look forward to taking advantage of the incredible array of facilities available to PP-Land inhabitants.I strongly urge anyone thinking of taking up this amazing offer to do so NOW.Likes and comments welcome.Rick

Inflation Busting Mega-Deal!

$499/year for Premium Plus+ ($689 Off)This is an awesome deal and I for one intend to take full advantage.With prices in just about every area of life soaring at the present time, a brilliant deal is being offered by the founders of Wealthy Affiliate Kyle and Carson.The Wealthy Affiliate end-of-summer sale offers a year's subscription to Premium Plus for just $499! The offer applies for just 72 hours from Tuesday, September 6th NOON Pacific (20.00 in the UK) details hereGrab this outstanding of

Making Stuff Happen

Calendar vs To-Do ListWhich is best?Calendars are great because you can say when you’re going to do things, how long tasks will take and hold yourself accountable.I have found that moving from a to-do list to a calendar has helped me:Prioritise tasks for the day, week, and month ahead Identify when I’ve got too much to do Avoid the feeling of overwhelmThis may not for everyone, but if it does sound interesting here’s what I’ve found.How can a calendar work as a to-d

Laughter is a good medicine, please enjoy.

The future is closer than we may think. Are we ready for the new reality? This spoof transcript made me laugh and is meant to be humourous, but how close is it to a new reality?Call Center: Hi, this is Google Pizza, how may I help you?Mr.Smith: Google what? Call Center: Google Pizza. What would you like to order?Mr.Smith: But I was calling Papa Luc's Pizza...Call Center: That’s right, it used to be Papas. Google is the new owner, and we are n